Former OSU standout Robbie Findley achieved some memorable firsts last week with his new team, the Los Angeles Galaxy. Robbie was the Galaxy's first draft pick this year and the 16th player selected overall. Expectations by LA's coach and teammates for the forward are high.

"We've got a bit of a player on our hands. There are things that he naturally does well — speed, turning ability, bravery, he's very good in the air with his jumping power. Once he settles in here, he'll be a very good player for us," said Coach Frank Yallop of Robbie Findley.

The Galaxy opened their MLS season on Sunday, against the Houston Dynamo in front of 16,000 fans including President George Bush senior who shook hands with Findley and the other players before the game. With the game in a scoreless tie Yallop put his faith in Robbie Findley and gave him his professional debut. Findley entered the game for US soccer icon, Cobi Jones in the 60th minute and the change was almost rewarded in the 76th minute when Oregon native and teammate Nate Jaqua sent Findley behind the Houston defense. Findley's pace was too much for defender Ryan Cochrane and it looked like Findley would go on to goal but Cochrane pulled him down. The game ended without a goal as a 0-0 draw.

Later in the week the Galaxy hosted FC Dallas. Findley entered the game again as a second half substitute for Cobi Jones. Late in the game it looked like he would pick up his first goal when he connected with a pass from Landon Donovan but sent the shot wide. In the 86th minute Findley got his head onto a Donovan corner kick and would not be denied scoring his first professional goal. You can watch a video of the goal here. Despite 2-1 loss, Findley made an impression and was voted the Galaxy's best player for the match according to their online poll.

Three time Honda Player of the Year, Landon Donovan also noted Findley's impact, "Everybody saw on Sunday what he can do. Late in a game, he's probably the last guy you want to see coming off the bench if you're a defender."

Chad Bartlome spent some time playing at the Corvallis Sports Park this winter as he trained in Corvallis to prepare for a trial in Switzerland with FC Basel of the Swiss Super League. FC Basel is no joke. In 2002 they defeated Juventes and drew with both Manchester United and Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Because of his dual citizenship it is much easier for him to sign a professional contract in Europe. FC Basel did not sign Bartlome after his trial but he landed with an amateur club called BCS Old Boys who work closely with FC Basel.

Brian Farber just completed his second season with the MISL California Cougars. Farber received attention during his rookie season for his speed and and athleticism. In his sophomore season he showed that he has what it takes to be a star player ranking fourteenth in the league in total points. Against Detroit, Farber scored a bicycle kick that had the announcers talking about the "goal of the year".

Farber happened to receive the ball for his stunning goal from Cougar teammate and fellow OSU alumni Evan McNeeley. Other OSU alumni plying their trade in professional soccer include Ryan Johnson with the Chicago Fire, Greg Howes of the Milwaukee Wave and Alan Gordon with the LA Galaxy.